6. The enablers: Collaboration
6.4 Local government
Local government has already demonstrated leadership through broadband infrastructure investment, better procurement policies, education and skills development.
Councils are well positioned to promote collaboration and partnership. They have played a key role
in the successful implementation of the Broadband Challenge Fund and CPF projects.
The Local Government NZ Broadband Forum held in February 2008, drew on the energy of the Digital Future Summit 2.0. The forum attendees collectively engaged on issues such as remote or rural access to broadband, the development of digital communities, and the launch of the draft Digital Communities Action Plan, a great example of coordination and collaboration.
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DIGITAL COMMUNITIES ACTION PLAN //////
The Digital Communities Action Plan draft framework is being developed by Local Government New Zealand and the Economic Development Association of New Zealand, as a collaborative regional plan to strengthen the digital readiness of regions and communities. Taking a cue from the digital strategy refresh, the workstreams of the action plan map to the key themes of the refresh.
A ‘digital community’ is a connected community that combines broadband communication, infrastructure and innovative services to meet the needs of government, business, education and citizens to increase economic vitality and enhance the wellbeing of communities. The plan is a whole-of-community initiative designed to meet the challenges of developing a nationwide broadband economy. |